NEW DELHI: After missing 11 months due to injury, Jasprit Bumrah is back and hungrier than ever, saying he is ready to bowl long stints for India in the Asia Cup and subsequent ODI World Cup at home.
Bumrah, who last played in September 2022 before being sidelined by lower-back stress fractures for the "biggest break" of his cricketing career, is making his long-awaited return with the T20 series in Ireland.
He will be needed to bowl four overs every game here, but speaking ahead of the first T20 on Friday, the top pacer said the objective has always been to prepare for 50-over games such as the Asia Cup, which starts on August 31 and the World Cup, which starts on October 5.
"We were mindful of the fact there is no Test cricket till the ODI World Cup. In my rehab as well, I was not preparing for a T20 game. I was always preparing for the World Cup competition.
"I have been bowling 10, 12 and even 15 overs. So I have bowled more overs, that way it becomes easier when less bowling is required. We kept that in mind that we are preparing for one-day competition and not a four-over competition.
"I have lots of overs under my belt. You have to keep working your way up. From where you left, you are a little down and you keep working your way up," Bumrah, who will captain India in the three T20s against Ireland, told reporters.
Bumrah stated that he is not holding back in training sessions, like he did in the opening nets on Thursday. A fully fit Bumrah is a valuable asset for India, but the 29-year-old will not let expectations get the best of him.
"I don't really think about expectations. I just want to go enjoy the game as I have come after a long break. Never been away from the game this long. I am coming back to enjoy it, as I love this game.
"I am just the same guy (that I was 11 months ago). I always had a lot of belief. I understand I am coming back after a long lay off. I am very happy to be back. Been working really hard at the NCA. It has been a long road. The body feels good and I'm looking forward to some game time," he said.
With his slingy movement, Bumrah has had exceptional success throughout formats, but many previous players, like West Indian great Michael Holding, have raised concerns about his future with the same action that puts a lot of strain on his back.
(With inputs from PTI)
